Education Methods

To achieve the objectives of the Undergraduate Medical Program, students are introduced to patients within the first foundation of the curriculum. In this way, students understand the relevance of what they are learning, maintain a high degree of motivation and begin to understand the importance of responsible professional attitudes.

The students are presented with a series of tutorial problems, requiring for their solution the understanding of underlying biological, population and behavioural principles, the appropriate collection of data and the critical appraisal of evidence. The faculty function as learning resources or guides. Learning by a process of inquiry is stressed.

The central focus of the program is the tutorial. The class is divided into small groups, each with a tutor. In the tutorial session students develop a series of learning objectives from each health-care problem and negotiate how they will approach their learning tasks. They then acquire the knowledge and skills to meet the objectives of the foundation in which they are working. They also learn to work as a team, helping and learning from peers. The study habits and sense of responsibility to self and others provides a basis for life long working and learning habits. Attendance is mandatory. In the Professional Competencies curriculum, students work in groups of 10, with two facilitators, one an MD, the other a non-MD.

Students admitted to the Undergraduate Medical Program have the responsibility and privilege of taking an active role in the planning and evaluation of the education program. Through representation on most policy-making and implementing committees, students can influence decisions in such areas as education, philosophy, faculty recruitment and curriculum design. It is expected that all students will participate in the continuing reappraisal and improvement of the program. Such participation is a hallmark of the Program.